Season and Thoughts Turning to Halloween.

The hot season for candy is approaching, starting with the ritual of free candy, then cruising toward the granddaddy of all, the Christmas holidays.

But first lets look at Halloween candy, since it’s already in the stores. If I had to choose one image that conjures up all the childhood memories associated with Halloween, it would have to be the ubiquitous candy corn. Almost iconic in it’s use in ads, stories and in sales.

However, in doing some research I have learned that not everyone believes that the candy was orginally a Halloween candy at all.

There is an enormous amount of information available about candy corn from the National Confectioners Association, which bills itself as “one of the oldest, most respected trade associations in the world.” It was founded in 1884 – shortly after candy corn was invented reportedly by George Renninger of the Wunderle Candy Company and shortly before the multicolored concoction of corn syrup, honey, and sugar was mass produced in by the Goelitz Confectionery Company.

Yes, it is true that many people associate candy corn with Halloween and vice-versa. It is also true that the day before Halloween, October 30th, is National Candy Corn Day, although it is not clear what one is supposed to do to celebrate, other than buy candy corn. And it is further true, according to the association, that more than 35 million pounds of candy corn will be produced this year: “That equates to nearly 9 billion pieces—enough to circle the moon nearly 21 times if laid end-to-end”

But, as the National Confectionery Association itself points out, “Candy Corn is not just for Halloween anymore. Candy makers have made Reindeer Corn for Christmas, Cupid Corn for Valentine’s Day and Bunny Corn for Easter.”

The Web site Serious Eats lists candy corn as one of the 10 worst things to hand out (or get) on Halloween: “The most polarizing candy of all. The fruitcake of Halloween; it just never goes away. If you love them, fine. But don’t subject the rest of us haters to the sickeningly sweet triangle that tastes like neither candy nor corn.”

However a recent poll by Huffington Post of its readers found that the worst candy, in their opinion, to hand out was the circus peanut!!

I remember them clearly, and my dear Mother still  loves to eat them. No info just yet on their caloric assault but at least they’re not filling!!